News
India extends financial assistance for passenger ferry services between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai
The Government of India has further extended the financial assistance for another year to support the ongoing passenger ferry service between Nagapattinam and Kankesanthurai. This extension is in line with India’s continued commitment to enhancing regional connectivity and strengthening people-to-people linkages between the two nations, the Indian HC in Colombo said in statement issued yesterday.
The text of the statement: ” The financial support is being extended under the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) mechanism, amounting to over LKR 300 million annually (approx. LKR 25 million per month). It is aimed at ensuring the affordability and operational sustainability of the service by covering key logistical and operational costs, on terms similar to the previous year.
Since its resumption in August 2024, the ferry service has facilitated the movement of over 15,000 passengers, reinforcing cultural, economic, and social exchanges between the two countries. It stands as a key milestone in revitaliSing maritime connectivity between India and Sri Lanka.
The continuation of the financial support for the ferry service also aligns with the shared vision for enhanced maritime connectivity, as reaffirmed during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India in December 2024 and the visit of the Prime Minister of India to Sri Lanka in April 2025.
Future plans include the exploration of additional routes and services that will further expand connectivity and economic collaboration.”
Four persons including a Budhist monk died and 32 others were injured when two SLTB buses collided head on at Weerawila at arond 12 noon today (18).
Three of the deceased were women. 22 of the injured were admitted to the Hambanthota Hospital while 10 others have been admitted to the Debarawewa hospital.
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) ship OONAMI which arrived at the port of Colombo on a goodwill and replenishment visit on 09 Mar 26 departed on 11 March.
The departing ship was given a formal farewell from the Sri Lanka Navy, in keeping with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.
The 150.5m long JMSDF OONAMI is commanded by Commander IIO Hiromasa.
During the stay in the island, crew members of the ship explored some tourist attractions in Colombo. The itinerary also included a coastal clean-up drive participated by naval personnel of both countries and engagements with the Sri Lanka Navy, designed to strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation.
The Central Cultural Fund established under the provisions of the Central Cultural Fund Act No. 57 of 1980 is responsible for development of cultural and religious monuments in Sri Lanka, settling the expenditure borne for development, renovation and conservation of local and foreign cultural monuments, awarding financial donations for artisans as well as awarding those who served the nation in the fields of culture and religious sectors.
The said act has been passed in Parliament 45 years back and, the requirement to revise the provisions of the act according to the contemporary requirements haa been recognized.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers granted their policy
approval to amend the said act, considering the resolution furnished by the Minister of Buddhasashana, Religious and Cultural Affairs.
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